The Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish: Discovering the Safest Shine
Searching for non-toxic nail polish can feel like navigating a maze. For example, how can you know if a polish is safe? What harmful ingredients should you avoid? Is gel better than lacquer, or vice versa?
In this article, we’ll help you find the best non-toxic nail polish. We’ll explain what components to watch out for and show you examples of safe nail polishes.
What Harmful Ingredients Lurk in Nail Polishes?
Thankfully, many nail care brands have taken steps to eliminate the most harmful chemicals from their formulas. On a basic level, you'll see some advertised as "3-free" nail polishes. This means they steer clear of formaldehyde (a cancer-causing preservative), toluene (linked to brain damage), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP, known to harm the liver and kidneys).
But other brands go even further in prioritizing consumer health. Nowadays, you can find nail polishes that are "5-free", "9-free", and beyond.
Many manufacturers are upfront about which ingredients they avoid in their polishes because they know it’s good business to advertise it. These include harmful chemicals like parabens, xylene, camphor, ketones, and petrochemicals. Each of these toxins poses various health risks, from skin irritation to respiratory problems and, in severe cases, organ damage or cancer.
Although nail polish typically doesn't absorb through the nail's keratin, there are other ways these toxins can enter your system. Consider how often you put your polished nails in your mouth or accidentally get polish on the skin surrounding your nails. Additionally, inhaling fumes during application exposes you to these harmful substances.
The effects of these toxins may not be immediately noticeable as they accumulate in your cells over time. It's vital to be mindful of the products you use to minimize long-term health risks. Therefore, let’s discuss the best non-toxic nail polishes to help you stay healthy and enjoy fashion.
How to Find Non-Toxic Nail Polishes
Both boutique and major brands are catching on to the fact that nail enthusiasts and professionals want non-toxic nail polish. While searching for safe nail polish, you might have heard about Sally Hansen’s Pure line or ella+milla. Unfortunately, sometimes safer ingredients mean a heftier price tag or poor performance.
We’re pleased to report that we have non-toxic lacquer that’s 9-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, plus pros use it!
LDS Nail Lacquer
With 170+ shades, we’re confident there's a color for every mood, style, and occasion. LDS nail lacquer is breathable to allow nails to stay hydrated. It dries rapidly without needing a nail lamp and stays beautiful for seven days.
Moreover, the highly-pigmented vegan formula was not tested on animals. It’s 9-free, so it doesn’t contain:
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- Ketones
- DBP
- Phthalates
- BHA
- Polyurethane
- Camphor
- Petrochemical Solvent
And if you're looking for non-toxic gel polish, we have that, too!
LAVIS Gel Polish
Lavis Nails offers a vibrant spectrum of over 160 non-toxic polishes, featuring various finishes including cat eye, glitter, and glow in the dark!
We prioritize customer health as well as the well-being of the environment. Check out our carbon-neutral options! Our polishes use non-toxic resin for a high-quality finish with minimal odor. We ensure that our gels are gentle on your nails. The formulas contain no harsh ingredients or adhesives.
Furthermore, these gels are low-odor and easy to apply and remove. They provide a professional finish that lasts for weeks.
Here are the non-toxic gel collections to browse:
LAVIS Cat Eye CE7 - Villain Era Collection
LAVIS LX1 - Coffee & Caramel Collection
LAVIS Gel Pink Collection
LAVIS Cat Eye CE9 - Love Potion Collection
LAVIS LX2 - Wedding Bouquet Collection
LAVIS Cat Eye CE8 - Hidden Treasures Collection
LAVIS Bridal Party Glitter Collection
LAVIS Reflective Gel Polish
LAVIS Reflective - Silent Night Reflective Collection
LAVIS Reflective - Neon Lights Reflective Collection
LAVIS Reflective - Glow with the Flow Reflective Collection
LAVIS Reflective - Blossom Bass Reflective Collection
But you can never have too much polish! Here are more non-toxic gels like none you’ve seen before.
LDS Gel Polish
LDS makes glow-in-the-dark polish, extra flashy ripple cat eye gels, and stunning magnetic colors that act like chameleons, depending on the color underneath. All of these are non-toxic, too!
LDS Glow In The Dark Collection
LDS Ripple Cat Eye Collection
LDS Cat Eye - Dozen Roses Collection
But wait, you can also enjoy nail art with non-toxic chrome powder!
Chrome Powder
Achieve stunning mirror-like effects with chrome nail powder crafted from high-quality materials for durability. It’s environmentally friendly and non-toxic for long-lasting wear without harming your nails or skin. It’s perfectly compatible with gel polish and ideal for full nail coverage or accents.
Guaranteeing Non-Toxic Nail Polish: Who's on the Case?
You might be surprised to learn that the FDA doesn't give nail polish its stamp of approval before hitting the shelves. While manufacturers are responsible for labeling and guiding proper product use, a vibrant community of advocates and watchdogs is dedicated to ensuring nail polish is safe and non-toxic. You can also request a product’s MSDS (safety data sheet). With their diligence and your informed choices, we can all enjoy colorful, worry-free manicures!
Gel Polish or Lacquer: Which is Safer?
Gel polish is better if you want to avoid strong odors. Unlike lacquer, it doesn’t air-dry and doesn’t require harsh solvents. Some gel brands even smell pleasant. If you apply and cure it correctly, a gel manicure is safe for nails. When it comes time to remove gel polish, you can minimize your exposure to acetone by using nail wraps instead of soaking your fingers in the liquid.
Look for a HEMA-free brand if you’re concerned about methacrylate chemicals in gels and acrylics. Methacrylate monomers are linked to allergic dermatitis, asthma, and problems with the nervous system, and they aren’t necessary for a durable, gorgeous finish.
In summary, there are non-toxic, safe gel polish or lacquer options.
What About Non-Toxic Nail Polish For Kids?
We suggest using a water-based formula for young children because little ones like to stick their fingers in their mouths! Look for low-odor formulas with vibrant colors.
Conclusion
It's a win-win for everyone when nail care brands make non-toxic polish available. It keeps consumers, nail artists, and those involved in manufacturing safer. It’s also good for the environment!
We hope this article helped you find the best non-toxic nail polish today. Check our offers for deep discounts and free shipping on orders over $50!
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